I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
I met Jane at the center of the earth
It was dark there was dirt all around
But I gather you can figure that
And Jane says, I'm your body in the night
And I'll lead you where you might find yourself
Better if you follow me
So go right you'll be left at a big hotel
You'll meet the devil at the bottom of a wishing well
You know you better give him something
Give him something good
Like everybody else he's misunderstood
Jane says, it's a long way out
But I'm gonna make it out
'Cause I'm about her
See Jane says, you're as holy as a ghost
But who loves you the most, if you offer
I might let you carry me
And Jane there's nobody here but yourself
In the end it's the wealth of your spirit
Now hurry up get on with it
I went left, I got right at some big hotel
There was a devil at the bottom of the wishing well
He said, you better give me something
Give me something good
Like everybody else I'm misunderstood
Jane says, it's a long way out
I'm gonna make it out
'Cause I'm about
Jane says, it's a long way out
I'm gonna make it out
I'm gonna make it out
I'm gonna make it out
I took a guess and cut a portion out of my heart
He said that's nowhere close enough but it's a damn good start
I wrote the secret that I buried on the wishing well wall
He said, I've seen one it follows that I've seen them all
We spoke of human destination in a perfect world
Derived the nature of the universe found it unfulfilled
As I took him in my arms he screamed, I'm not insane
I'm just looking for someone to understand my pain
It's a long way out
I'm gonna make it out
It's a long way out
I'm gonna make it out
It's a long, it's a long way out
I'm gonna make it out
It was dark there was dirt all around
But I gather you can figure that
And Jane says, I'm your body in the night
And I'll lead you where you might find yourself
Better if you follow me
So go right you'll be left at a big hotel
You'll meet the devil at the bottom of a wishing well
You know you better give him something
Give him something good
Like everybody else he's misunderstood
Jane says, it's a long way out
But I'm gonna make it out
'Cause I'm about her
See Jane says, you're as holy as a ghost
But who loves you the most, if you offer
I might let you carry me
And Jane there's nobody here but yourself
In the end it's the wealth of your spirit
Now hurry up get on with it
I went left, I got right at some big hotel
There was a devil at the bottom of the wishing well
He said, you better give me something
Give me something good
Like everybody else I'm misunderstood
Jane says, it's a long way out
I'm gonna make it out
'Cause I'm about
Jane says, it's a long way out
I'm gonna make it out
I'm gonna make it out
I'm gonna make it out
I took a guess and cut a portion out of my heart
He said that's nowhere close enough but it's a damn good start
I wrote the secret that I buried on the wishing well wall
He said, I've seen one it follows that I've seen them all
We spoke of human destination in a perfect world
Derived the nature of the universe found it unfulfilled
As I took him in my arms he screamed, I'm not insane
I'm just looking for someone to understand my pain
It's a long way out
I'm gonna make it out
It's a long way out
I'm gonna make it out
It's a long, it's a long way out
I'm gonna make it out
Lyrics submitted by AshleyRoseCyriac
The Devil in the Wishing Well Lyrics as written by John Ondrasik
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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I was reading an article today where Ondrasik gives a brief glimpse of his intended meaning of this song:
"Ondrasik is also proud of the second single from the album, 'The Devil in the Wishing Well,' a musically charming story song. If you take it literally, it is about a man and a woman meeting Satan in a big black hotel. 'Think 70's piano rock meets Dante,' Ondrasik cracks. A little less literal explanation, but another one that may hold some merit, is that it is about a couple grappling with their feelings over a one-night stand."
Source: "popentertainment.com/fiveforfighting.htm"
Although, it is important for people to personalize a song as well. Interpreting lyrics on your own is often a great insight to problems, fears, or ideas and philosophies that are more prevalent in your own mind, while also offering support and solutions in relatable incidents, such as user wil555's experience.